Our Icelandic Heritage
Vikings and Early Exploration
The Icelandic story begins with the Vikings, active in Norway, Denmark, and southern Sweden between 790 and 1090 A.D. At first, Viking kingdoms were small and numerous, but over time, they consolidated into larger territories. The early raids struck England, Ireland, Scotland, and France. By 834, the Vikings were strong enough to assault Paris, and in 865, a large Viking army invaded England. For about 30 years, they ruled significant parts of the country. While Danish Vikings focused on England and France, Norwegian Vikings turned toward Scotland and Ireland. A navigation error led them to Iceland, where Irish monks were already living. The monks soon departed, unwilling to share the island with pagan settlers.
Settlement of Iceland (870–930)
The main settlement period of Iceland occurred between 870 and 930. Free land and the absence of an indigenous population attracted many. Some settlers also fled Norway to avoid submitting to King Harald Fairhair, the first major king of a united Norway. The new arrivals became farmers and fishermen. Icelandic society was built on independent farmsteads with no towns, cities, or central administration.
Law and Society
Disputes were settled in local assemblies called þings. After 930, representatives from the four regional þings gathered annually at Þingvellir for the Alþing.The Alþing was both a legal court and a grand social gathering. Farmers and families, traders, craftsmen, storytellers, and travelers all attended. Today, the Alþing is celebrated as one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions.
Exploration Beyond Iceland
In 982, Eirík the Red (Eirík “Rauði” Þorvaldsson) was banished from Iceland and founded the first settlement in Greenland. According to the sagas, his son Leif the Lucky (Leifur “Heppni” Eiríksson) later reached North America. He lived for a time in Vinland, likely at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada.
Religion and Rule
In 999 or 1000, the Alþing adopted Christianity as Iceland’s official religion, though pagan traditions lingered for generations. By 1262, Icelanders submitted to Norwegian rule to escape conflict among powerful local families. In the late 13th century, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark were united through royal marriages, and Iceland remained under Danish control until its independence in June 1944.
Population and Hardship
Early settlement migration is estimated at 5,000–15,000 people. By the year 1000, the population reached about 70,000 — the maximum Iceland could sustain at that time. That number was not exceeded until the 19th century.
Over the centuries, volcanic eruptions buried farmland in ash, destroying crops and livestock. Harsh weather, famine, and epidemics such as the Black Death and smallpox took a terrible toll. Yet the people endured.
Preserving the Journey
Our volunteer genealogists have carefully entered nearly 17,000 emigrants into the Icelandic Roots Database from the years 1854 to 1914. After 1914, emigration slowed sharply, especially during World War I. Later, during World War II, some Icelandic women came to Canada and the United States as war brides. Through this intensive work, the names, stories, and family ties of these emigrants are preserved and searchable, ensuring that their journeys are never forgotten.
How We Share the Story
Icelandic Roots volunteers have worked hard to preserve, promote, and educate others on this important history. We have published books and articles, created educational displays, and installed emigration port panels in Iceland. We give lectures and presentations that keep these stories alive for new generations.
Books Published by Icelandic Roots
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The Emigration Journey: From Turfhouses to Prairie Homesteads: This book focuses on Icelanders who settled in Minnesota and North Dakota. Available as both an e-book and a hardcover edition on Amazon.
Order the following books through our publisher from theyuleboys.com
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Stories, Sagas, and Captivating Tales: A collection of our best articles, including emigrant diaries and life stories. This book is also available at the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli.
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Mundi, Boy of Iceland's West Fjords: Bryndís Viglundsdóttir retells Mundi's stories and Gay Strandemo's drawings bring alive Mundi's adventures.
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Thor: Bryndís Víglundsdóttir rekindles the tales of Thor, the son of Odinn and Maiden Earth and Gay Strandemo brings Thor's adventures to life with her artwork.
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Guðríður's Saga: If you are Icelandic, she is your ancestor! Bryndís Víglundsdóttir adapted the story from the Saga of Eirík the Red and the Vinland Sagas. Gay Strandemo illustrated her ancestors' adventure.
Early Icelandic Settlements
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Explore More, Anytime - Keep the Story Alive
We offer many free resources for everyone:
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Stories in our public newsletter
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Podcasts, Social Media, and Webinars
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Over 120 videos on our YouTube channel.
Icelandic Roots is a volunteer-run non-profit dedicated to preserving the history of Icelandic people.
We document, preserve, and share history, stories, photos, documents, and family records to keep connections strong across generations.
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